Effect of predator presence on parental behavior of convict cichlid Amatitlania nigrofasciata (Perciformes, Cichlidae).

Results of study of the effect of presence of model predator on parental care in convict cichlid Amatitlania nigrofasciata are presented. Main differences in parental functions of male and female in the family group and their transformation in the case of a potential threat for the clutch and litter are considered. The dynamics of parental behavior throughout the period of parental care and the effect of the predator's presence on this dynamics are analyzed. It is shown that predator's presence exerts a complex transforming effect on the entire structure of parental behavior in the family group of the convict cichlid. Male behavior is distinguished by highest lability in the period after passing of juveniles to free swimming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]